How long does it take to charge a bolt EUV 120v?
On a standard 120-volt household outlet (Level 1 charging), a Bolt EUV with a 65 kWh battery typically gains about 4–5 miles of range per hour, meaning a full recharge from empty takes roughly 45–50 hours under average conditions. Real-world times vary with temperature, circuit quality, and how much of the battery is already charged.
What Level 1 charging means for the Bolt EUV
Level 1 charging uses a common 120V outlet (often a NEMA 5-15 receptacle) and supplies a modest charging rate. For most Bolt EUV models, the onboard charger limits Level 1 power to about 1.4 kW (roughly 12 amps at 120 volts). This slow rate is why full charges can take many tens of hours, but it does provide a practical option when no higher-voltage charging is available.
Battery size and charging math
The Bolt EUV uses a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery. With an estimated energy consumption of about 0.26 kWh per mile (65 kWh divided by around 247 miles of EPA range), a Level 1 charger delivering about 1.4 kW adds range at roughly 5 miles per hour under ideal conditions. In practice, inefficiencies and temperature effects can push this toward the lower end of the range.
Below are representative time estimates for charging from low to various levels of charge using a typical 120V outlet on a Bolt EUV with a 65 kWh pack. The numbers assume a dedicated, stable 120V circuit and average operating conditions.
- From 0% to 20%: about 9–10 hours
- From 0% to 50%: about 22–23 hours
- From 0% to 80%: about 35–36 hours
- From 0% to 100%: about 45–50 hours
These are approximate ranges. Real-world results depend on starting state of charge, temperature, and the exact electrical circuit you’re plugged into (circuit breaker rating, outlet quality, and any added loads on the same circuit).
Factors that affect Level 1 charging time
Several variables can influence how quickly a Bolt EUV charges on 120V. Temperature extremes (very cold or very hot) can slow charging efficiency. The condition and rating of the household circuit, any concurrent electrical loads, and the battery’s current state of health and thermal management will also affect how fast energy is stored.
- Electrical circuit: Consistent 12 A on a dedicated 120V circuit yields the best results.
- Ambient temperature: Cold weather reduces charging efficiency and range per hour.
- State of charge: Closer to 100%, charging slows as the battery nears full.
- Onboard charging limitations: The Bolt EUV’s charger is optimized for 120V/240V inputs; 120V remains the slowest option.
In practice, if you rely on Level 1 charging daily, plan around overnight charging or multiple days for a full recharge, especially after extended trips or during cold weather.
Practical alternatives if you need faster charging
If you frequently need faster charging, upgrading to Level 2 charging (240V) is the most common and effective option. A dedicated home charging station (EVSE) installed by a licensed electrician can provide 240V at 32A or higher, significantly reducing recharge times for the Bolt EUV.
- Level 2 charging at home (typical 7.2–11 kW): a full charge can take roughly 6–9 hours from empty, depending on the charger and vehicle configuration.
- Public DC fast charging: Bolt EUV can use DC fast charging on appropriate networks to regain substantial range quickly, though availability varies by location.
For many drivers, a combination of Level 2 home charging and occasional DC fast charging on longer trips provides the best balance of convenience and speed.
Summary
Charging a Bolt EUV on a 120V outlet delivers a modest charging rate, typically adding about 4–5 miles of range per hour. A full recharge from empty often takes around 45–50 hours, with real-world times influenced by temperature, circuit quality, and starting state of charge. For faster daily charging, consider a Level 2 home charger, which can recharge a depleted battery much more quickly and is commonly recommended for regular EV use.
Endnotes
As technology and charging standards evolve, always check the latest Chevrolet documentation or your vehicle’s current charging specifications for the most accurate numbers related to your exact Bolt EUV model and firmware version.
Summary: Level 1 charging on a Bolt EUV yields slow but steady charging, with typical full-charge times on the order of a day. For everyday practicality and to maximize EV usability, most owners opt for Level 2 charging at home or in public for faster replenishment.
How long does 120V take to charge EV?
DC Fast Charging
| Charging Type | Voltage | Time to Charge (Battery EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120 volts | 8 to 20 hours |
| Level 2 | 240 volts | 5 to 7 hours |
| DC Fast Charging | 480 volts | 30 to 60 minutes |
How long to charge a Chevy Bolt on 120V?
Chevy Bolt Level 1 Charge Time: 4 Miles / Hour
A Level 1 Chevy car charger is easy to stow in the glove box and allows you to charge anywhere that has a 120-volt, three-prong outlet. A 12-hour charge gives you about 48 miles of range, which is plenty if you only use your car for short errands.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car on 110 or 220?
It is slightly cheaper to charge an electric car on 220V, not because of the per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost, but because the higher voltage is more efficient, resulting in lower energy loss. 220V also allows for faster charging, which means the car is plugged in for a shorter period, leading to less energy wasted in the form of heat and more of the energy going directly into the battery.
Cost and efficiency breakdown
- Energy cost: The cost of charging is based on the kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed. In theory, the cost to put a specific amount of energy into the car's battery is the same regardless of voltage, according to Inside EVs Forum.
- Efficiency losses: 110V (Level 1) charging is less efficient. A longer charge time at 110V means more energy is lost through resistance in the wires and the car's onboard systems, which are running for a longer duration.
- 220V (Level 2) advantage: With 220V, the higher wattage allows for faster charging, and the shorter time reduces overall energy loss. This makes the total energy drawn from the wall slightly lower for a full charge compared to 110V.
- Time of use (TOU) rates: If your electricity plan has time-of-use (TOU) rates, 220V is a clear advantage. You can use it to complete a charge entirely within a cheaper, off-peak time window, which can make a significant difference in cost, notes Reddit users.
How long does it take to fully charge a bolt in EUV?
The Chevy Bolt EUV charge time varies by charging level: Level 1 (120V) adds about 4 miles of range per hour, Level 2 (240V) can fully charge the battery in about 7 hours, and DC Fast Charging can add up to 95 miles of range in 30 minutes. A full 0-100% charge with DC fast charging can take over two hours.
This video demonstrates the difference in charging speed between Level 1 and Level 2: 55sPracticallyfrugalYouTube · Dec 1, 2022
Charging levels and times
- Level 1 (120V): This is the slowest option, adding approximately 4 miles of range per hour. A full charge from empty can take over 24 hours, so it is best for adding range overnight for a short daily commute.
- Level 2 (240V): This is the ideal option for home charging. A full charge from empty takes about 7 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging.
- DC Fast Charging (Level 3): This is the fastest option for public charging stations.
- You can get up to 95 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
- Charging slows significantly after about 80%.
- A full 0–100% charge can take over two hours.
This video explains the Bolt EUV fast charging capabilities: 53sState Of ChargeYouTube · Oct 2, 2022
